Bihar Information

Bihar, the land of Viharas of the ancient times, is not only rich in the antique-treasure and hallowed monuments but it is one of the richest state of India in mineral wealth and accounts for about 40% of the total mineral production of the country. Being the land of monasteries Buddhist, Hindu, Jam, Muslim and Sikh shrine dot the country and having the ancient capital of the first mighty empire Magadh of the country. It has many places arousing tourists interest. Its present Capital is Patna, area 1,73,877 sq kms. and population around 9 crores. The best time to visit this land of hoary past is between Oct. to March. Some of the prominent places are described below.

Bihar Tourism Information

Patna

This Capital of Bihar and a lineal descendant of the ancient metropolis of Patliputra are located on the confluence of Ganga and Sone rivers. Patna, a modern city, is steeped in legends and mythology. Modern Patna was believed to have been founded by the Afghan Ruler Sher Shah Sun after he defeated the Mughal King Humayun. Following are the places of interest in and around Patna.

Ruins of Patliputra

About 7 km. from Patna Junction Railway Station lie the ruins of the renowned ancient Capital of Patliputra. The Mauryan relics of this famous ancient capital have recently been unearthed at the site of Kumrahar. The pillard hail and polished pillars are worth visiting here, dating back to 300- 400 BC. These remains are preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India and can be visited between 9 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. everyday except on Monday.

Patna Museum

Patna Museum is of international importance and has an excellent collection of terracotta figures, metal and stone sculptures dating back to Mauryan and Gupta periods. It also houses a 53 feet fossil tree dating back to 200 million years.

Golghar

The bizarre 29 meter high silo, Golghar was build in 1786 following a terrible famine of 1770, as a vast granary. This vast hemisphere with its wails 3-6 meters thick at the base, has a big hole at the top through which grain could he procured. A sweeping flight of steps winding around, leads to the top from where a panoramic view of the Ganga and the city could be obtained. It was constructed by Captain John Garstin at the behest of Warren Hastings. It is also noted for its echo.

Har Mandir

This is one of the holiest of Sikh shrines and consecrates the birth place of the tenth and last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it stands in the Chowk areaof old Patna. Guru Gobind Singh was born here in 1660. Har Mandir contains holy Sikh scriptures and the personal be longings of the Guru.

Martyr’s Memorial

Life size statues put up in front of the old Secretariat commemorate the memory of seven brave young men who sacrificed their lives in the historical struggle for Independence in August 1942.
Other places of interest in the city are Pather-ki-Masjid, Gulz Bagh (the site of the East India Company’s opium factory and workhouse), Khudabaksha Oriental Library (famous for containing rare manuscripts In Arabic and Persian), Sadaquat Ashram and Biological Park.
Patna is directly connected with Delhi, Calcutta, Ranchi, Lucknow and Kathmandu by air. Patna is on the main line of Eastern Railway, and hence connected to all the major towns of the country. Patna is well-connected with all the big towns nearby by efficient bus services. Patna is also the take-off point for Nepal both by air and road. There arc a number of good hotels, Retiring Rooms and Dharamshalas suiting every pocket and preference.
Patna is also the base station for excursion to nearby historical and mythological sites which have been described below.